Awards

Honoring the Achievements of Industry Leaders and Innovators

Celebrating Excellence in Landscaping

Is your amazing landscaping work going unnoticed? Without the spotlight, your stunning projects and hard work may not reach the clients and industry peers who appreciate top-tier creativity and quality.

Landscape Nova Scotia’s Awards are your ticket to the recognition you deserve! Our exciting and prestigious awards celebrate the best in horticulture and landscape design, giving your work the spotlight it needs. Join us in a joyous celebration of your achievements, bolstering your credibility and attracting new clients. Stand out, get noticed, and let your excellence shine with Landscape Nova Scotia.

Ensure Your Entry Meets the Criteria

Before submitting your project or nomination, familiarize yourself with the Awards of Excellence rules. These guidelines ensure a fair and consistent judging process and will help you understand the criteria and requirements for each category.

Download the Awards of Excellence Rules
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Awards of Excellence Categories

Please Note: The submitting company’s personal residence may not be entered in any category except for the Special Interest section under the Construction Award category.

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Maintenance Award

Green Stamps are available for this category

Judges will be using the following criteria:

  • Originality
  • Overall Impact
  • Quality of Turf Cut
  • Turf Health
  • Edging & Trimming
  • Evidence of IPM/Best
  • Practices
  • Site Cleanliness (i.e. Debris)
  • Pruning (Proper Technique)
  • Plant Health & Vigour
    Design

Close-up photos of work are necessary to judge accurately. Using volcano mulch or providing poor-quality photos will immediately disqualify your submission.

View the Judges’ Score Sheet

Nominate A Project

Maintenance Categories

Residential

  • Single Family Homes

Multi-residential

  • Condominiums
  • Senior & Nursing Homes
  • Townhouses
  • Apartment Buildings

Corporate Buildings

  • Industrial Complexes
  • Public Or Retail Buildings
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Construction Award

Green Stamps are available for this category

Judges will be using the following criteria:

  • Originality
  • Effectiveness & Harmony of Design Elements
  • Integration of Plants & Landscape Materials
  • Installation Techniques & Craftsmanship
  • Execution of Construction Details
  • Overall Quality
  • Horticultural Compatibility & Correctness
  • Installation Challenges Encountered & Site Problems Solved
  • Appearance & Ease of Maintenance,
  • Unique Use of Plant Material & Overall Impression.

Construction projects must have been completed no more than four years ago and must comply with building codes.

View the Judges’ Score Sheet

Nominate A Project

Construction Categories

Residential

  • Under $25,000
  • $25,000-$75,000
  • $75,000-$150,000
  • Over $150,000

Commercial

  • Under $25,000
  • $25,000-$75,000
  • $75,000-$150,000
  • Over $150,000

Special Interest

  • Learn More About This Category Here
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Design Award

Green Stamps are available for this category

Judges will be using the following criteria:

  • Overall design impact
  • Execution of problem/solution employed,
  • Creativity/innovation,
  • Horticultural compatibility and correctness,
  • Aesthetic appeal,
    technical hardscaping aspects,
  • Elements and detailing
  • Plant selection
  • Organization and completeness.

Your Design does not need to be built to qualify.

Projects That Include Your Company Name Will Not Be Eligible For Judging

Design entries will not be required to submit design boards.

PDF or JPG of your designs are required for judging reference. If your project receives an award, we will use the photos of your designs to showcase your work.

View the Judges’ Score Sheet

Nominate A Project

Design Categories

Project Cost

  • Under $75,000
  • $75,000-$150,000
  • Over $150,000

Requirements

  • Project Name
  • Statement of Design Intent
  • Detailed Plant List Using Proper Nomenclature
  • Directional Indication of North
  • The City Name for Reference Within the Title Block
  • Full Set Of Working Drawings to Scale
  • Construction Details & Grading Plans
  • Must Not Include the Company Name
    Designs Should Comply with the Building Code & Canadian Landscape Standards

Optional Inclusions

  • Drawings In Colour Are Strongly Encouraged
  • Before & After Photos—For Reference Only
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Landscape Lighting Award

Judges will be using the following criteria:

  • Design
  • Installation
  • Creativity
  • Project Elements (Architectural Features, Hardscape Elements, etc.)
  • Safety
  • Light Control
  • Successful Accomplishment of Objectives

Lighting projects must have been completed no more than four years ago.

Entries must promote the use of landscape lighting, both low- and line-voltage, as an essential extension of the landscape plan and well integrated into its environment.

View the Judges’ Score Sheet

Nominate A Project

Landscape Lighting Categories

Project Cost

  • Under $25,000
  • Over $25,000

Holiday Lighting

  • Use of decorative lighting to enhance the property for festivals or holidays.
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Landscape Irrigation Award

Green Stamps are available for this category

Judges will be using the following criteria:

  • Quality of Planning & Analysis
  • Effective Use
  • Presentation or Programming of Irrigation Techniques
  • Best Practices Followed
  • Relationship to Conservation Initiatives
  • Environmental Responsibility
  • Relevance to the Irrigation Profession
  • Public Interest & the Environment
    Functionalism
  • Relationship to High-Efficiency Context

Only one award will be given in each category at the judges’ discretion.

Judges reserve the right to not award in either of the categories.

The first phase must be completed for large incremental/phased projects to be eligible for the award.

Nominate A Project

Landscape Irrigation Categories

Superior Professional Accomplishment Using Reclaimed or Potable Water

Construction Site-Specific Works of Irrigation Consulting, Design, and Installation for Commercial or Public Projects

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Garden Centres & Growers

Awards for these categories will be ready for the 2026 season.

*Keep your eye out for details!*

Nominate A Project

Garden Centres & Growers Categories

Upcoming…

Green Stamps

Our comprehensive Membership Guide is your roadmap to maximizing the benefits of being part of Landscape Nova Scotia. It provides detailed information on the resources, events, and networking opportunities available to you as a member.

The Special Interest Construction Category: Explained

The Membership Bylaws outline the rules and regulations that govern our community. They ensure a consistent and professional standard among all members and foster a respectful and supportive environment. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to fully understand your role and responsibilities within Landscape Nova Scotia.

 

Clearly define what special interest category you are submitting:

Water Features

  • Waterfalls
  • Fountains
  • Water & Fire
  • Rain Gardens
  • Retention Ponds
  • Bioswales

Place of Business:

  • Your own business entrance, as seen by your customers. This includes your personal or private residence area if it is in the same location.

Rooftop or Balcony Garden:

  • Entries may be residential or commercial projects.
  • Entries will be judged on the feasibility of construction, best practices, and overall visual impact.

Theme Gardens:

  • This must be a permanent installation. Please state the intended theme (e.g., butterfly garden, knot garden, native planting, biodiversity planting, etc.).
  • The theme must be predominant in overall appearance/design intent.
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Capture the Perfect Shot

Great photography can make your landscaping projects shine even brighter. To help you capture the beauty and detail of your work, we’ve included a handy guide with tips and techniques specifically for photographing landscaping projects. Ensure your submissions stand out with visually stunning images highlighting your creativity and craftsmanship.

Download Photography Tips
White Point Sunset

Awards of Recognition Categories

These awards are given only in exceptional circumstances and are not necessarily awarded annually. The Special Awards Program recognizes the many volunteers and friends of the association who have spent countless hours working to better our great industry.

Winners are determined through a nomination process. If you would like to nominate someone for an award listed below, please submit your nomination through our online form. In 800 words or less, please include reasons for nomination and your relationship to the nominee. You may not nominate yourself or an employee of your company. Nominations are open from July 1 to November 1 each year.

Peggy's Cove Seascape with moored boats and weathered seaside sh
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Community Leadership Award

This award will be given to a member who significantly contributes to the community through horticultural work. The reason for nomination should include several examples of community-based projects in which the nominee has been instrumental.

Nominate A Member
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Environmental Award

This award goes to an organization or individual for outstanding contributions and achievement in maintaining or promoting a sustainable, healthy environment. It provides an opportunity for the horticulture industry in Nova Scotia to recognize environmental stewardship and leadership.

Nominate A Member
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Honorary Life Membership

This is Landscape Nova Scotia’s highest honour, presented to distinguished individuals who have accomplished and contributed to the horticultural industry or association. It is reserved only for members who have consistently contributed their time, passion, enthusiasm, and energy over a period of many years. Those who are given this tribute have committed a lifetime to furthering Landscape Nova Scotia’s mission.

  • This award is not given out every year
  • This award is determined by the Landscape Nova Scotia Board of Directors
  • This award is not open for nomination
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Past Presidents’ Award

A committee of three past presidents of Landscape Nova Scotia presents this award to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the association over many years.

  • This award is not open for nomination
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Young Entrepreneur Award

This award recognizes a member for outstanding achievement in establishing and growing a successful horticultural business and is under the age of 35 years.

Nominate A Member

Awards of Excellence

Winners 2024

Recognition Awards

Community Leadership

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Nominated by Jim & Joann Stewart

2024 Platinum Sponsor Award

Landscape Lighting

Oakhill Outdoor

Presented by Kyle MacDonald, President of the Stone Depot.

Specialty Award

Water Feature

Wallace Landscapes Ltd.

Congratulations to Wallace Landscapes Ltd. for Specialty Award for Savoy Pond.

Specialty Award

Theme Garden

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Congratulations to NRL on the Specialty Award for Theme Garden for Zion Prayer Labyrinth.

Canopy Landscape Design

Specialty Award

Design

Canopy Landscape Design Studio

Congratulations to Canopy Landscape Design Studio for Bedford Bay Estates!

Commercial Maintenance

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

 

Residential Maintenance

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Godfrey Residence

 

Residential Construction (under $25,000)

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Bain Residence

 

Residential Construction ($25,000-$75,000)

Oakhill Outdoor

Grant Street Project

 

Commercial Construction ($25,000-$75,000)

Nature’s Reflections Landscaping

Best Western

 

Residential Construction ($75,000-$150,000)

Oakhill Outdoor

Beechwood Project

 

Pamela Baltzer

Volunteer of the Year

Pamela Baltzer

Heritage Landscaping

Milestone Award

50 Years in Business

Blomidon Nurseries Limited

Milestone Award

60 Years in Business

Sydney Landscaping & Nurseries Ltd.

Milestone Award

70 Years in Business

Elmsdale Landscaping Limited

Awards of Recognition

Previous Winners

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Awards of Recognition

Stan Kochanoff

Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award
On Friday, March 24, 2023, Stan Kochanoff was honoured with Landscape Nova Scotia’s prestigious Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, presented by President Steve Smith.

With over 50 years of dedication to the horticulture industry, Stan has significantly impacted communities across the province and beyond. His impressive credentials include Past President of Landscape Nova Scotia and the CNLA, registered consulting and ISA certified arborist, licensed professional planner, and certified Red Seal landscape horticulturist.

Stan’s contributions extend further as co-chair of Communities in Bloom in Windsor, a national-level judge, and a benefactor who has donated trees to the Hants County community rink. He also coordinates the Windsor Tree Canopy Project, showcasing his commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Stan’s unwavering dedication and passion for horticulture embody the values Landscape Nova Scotia stands for, making him a truly deserving recipient of this esteemed award.

Congratulations, Stan! Here’s to Freedom 95!

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General Information for the Awards of Excellence Program

  • All submission materials must be submitted via email, or file sharing site (i.e. Dropbox) accompanied by the application.
  • All material submitted becomes the sole property of the Landscape Nova Scotia Horticultural
    Trades Association (LNSHTA) and may be used by LNSHTA in whatever manner it deems
    appropriate. Material will not be returned.
  • One project may be entered in one presentation (Installation/Construction, Maintenance or
    Design) Category AND one Specialty (if desired).
  • The association accepts no responsibility for photographic copyright fees.
  • The entry with the highest points as determined by the judges will be deemed the winner, and will be recognized in the Association’s and CNLA publications and website where appropriate.
  • Permission from the client must be provided.
  • Judging Standards – Entries can’t win by default. Using the new scoring system provided by CNLA a minimum score of 75% must be achieved before any project can receive an award. This will prevent lower standard entries from winning just because they were the only.
  • The 3 highest scores per category will be submitted to the National Awards of Excellence.
    Please notify Landscape NS if you do not wish your entry to go to the national level.

What you must submit for the Awards of Excellence Program

  • A signed and completed entry form (found in Entry Package)
  • A response to all questions (found in Entry Package) or an explanation why of the lack of response
  • Pictures and/or video of site (before, during and after)
    • No less than 6 pictures, no more than 20
  • List of suppliers
  • Any drawings related to the project
    • All Design drawings must be provided in PDF format
  • Budget and timeline
  • List of materials
  • Any specifications used for the project
  • Letter of permission from client

Submit Your Nomination Today and Be Part of the Excitement!

Don’t let exceptional work go unnoticed! Nominate a project or a dedicated member for a Landscape Nova Scotia Award and join us in celebrating the outstanding contributions that elevate our industry. Whether it’s a groundbreaking design, an innovative solution, or a passionate individual making a difference, your nomination can help shine a spotlight on excellence.

Step 1 of 3

An entry form is required for each project submitted. All entry information, pictures, drawings, budgets, time lines etc. must be included with this submission no later than January 15, 2026.
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Award Trophy and Promotional Information

Please indicate the information exactly how it should appear on an award trophy or in presentations, websites, published association promotional material and/or media releases about the awards.
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